Party checklist
Potluck hosting checklist
At a potluck the host organises more than cooks. Enter the number of people and the list works out how many dishes of each kind to ask for, then covers what stays your job: the table, the oven space, the drinks and the labels.
Dishes to ask for
Two weeks before: invite and organise
What the host provides
Set up the space
When guests arrive
Winding down
Tips for a balanced table
- The dish counts are a planning estimate that assumes each dish feeds six to eight as part of a spread. If your friends cook small, ask for one more side.
- Assigning categories gives a balanced table with less effort than a sign-up sheet, and a sheet gives guests more choice. Switch the option to see the tasks for each.
- Cooking the main yourself guarantees the centre of the meal and lets guests bring easier things. Sharing the mains spreads the cost; the list then asks for at least one without meat.
- A label on every dish is the most useful thing the host can add. Guests with allergies can then decide for themselves without asking each cook.
Questions
How many dishes do I need for a potluck?
The list works it out from the number of people: one main for every six people plus one when mains are shared, one side for every five plus one, one dessert for every seven plus one, and bread, starters and drinks from fewer guests. Enter your number to see the totals.
What should the host provide at a potluck?
The place, plates, cutlery, cups, napkins, basic drinks, seats and usually the main dish. The section on what the host provides counts each of those for your group.
How do I stop everyone bringing the same thing?
Give out categories or use a sign-up sheet with named slots. The list has a task for either method and a check for gaps and doubles five days before.
Is every household counted as one dish?
The counts follow the number of people, not households. With many couples you will have fewer cooks than dish slots; ask the keen ones for two or fill a slot yourself.
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